Labour squabbles give real perspective

The old saying says a week in politics is a long time, and it certainly has been for the Labour Party as their conference became preoccupied with their leadership as opposed to the matters that really affect New Zealanders.

I believe New Zealanders want stability, security and leaders who consider the future of the country in a reasonable and rational manner. I don't believe there is room for infighting, naked ambition of self-interest in the leadership of a country such as ours. We are too small and too far removed from the market places we so heavily rely upon.

National campaigned on delivering better public services to all New Zealanders - and almost nine months since Prime Minister John Key announced the Better Public Services package for our state sector, we are delivering on that promise.

New Zealand's public sector scored 74 in the latest Kiwis Count survey, which measures New Zealanders' satisfaction with core public services like health and education - an increase on the June score of 72.

This is an increase of seven points since National took office - the last score under Labour was 67 back in 2007. This most recent survey saw increased satisfaction scores for services in Social Assistance & Housing and Education & Training - recording increased scores of two points over the previous quarter.

The improvement in people's overall satisfaction with public services is an excellent result considering the fiscal restraints under which the Government has continued to operate since the last survey was released. The results show that, contrary to the arguments of the Opposition, a focused Government can deliver better public services without massive increases in spending.

New Zealand has a very committed and able public service. The responses to events such as the Canterbury earthquakes have shown our public service at its very best.

Delivering better public services within tight financial constraints is one of the National-led Government's key priorities for this term.

That's why we have set specific targets, and we expect to get results, as part of our plan to build a brighter future for you and your family.